FROM MARRAKECH: Day trip: Ourika – Three valleys in Atlas mountains – Lake Takerkoust

The driver picks you up at 10:00 am at your hotel or riad.

We drive into the majestic High Atlas mountains. The drive to Ourika valley takes about 1 hour. The scenery is stunning with green valleys, mountains peaks and rushing waterfalls. We arrive at Setti Fatma which has 7 waterfalls. If you wish, you have the option to hire a local guide to explore the area deeper (own expense).

We continue to an argan cooperative which is run by local Berber women. They show how they extract the golden argan oil from the argan nuts. The argan oil is referred to as «Moroccan gold» and used in both foods and cosmetics. It is famous world-wide for its many healthy benefits. We also visit an aromatic garden with medicinal and decorative plants.

Next we head to Oukaimeden valley, passing traditional stone Berber villages on the way. The landscapes are majestic with a lush gorge carving its way through a tableau of jagged peaks. Oukaimeden is strikingly beautiful. It has a rich cultural heritage and prehistoric rock art sites. During the winter months, Oukaimeden is a ski resort with Africa’s highest ski lift.

We stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch we drive to the third valley, Asni. The area is picturesque with a cluster of Berber villages spread around the valley river. The place is famous for its fruit trees (apples, walnut, almonds, peaches etc). Asni village is situated at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.

As this is the extended version of Three valleys, the journey continues. We drive for about an hour to Takerkoust Lake. The lake is man-made and deep blue in colour. It offers a dramatic view of the surrounding desert and mountains.

Then we drive to Kik Plateau, which consists mostly of limestone formations. It offers a wonderful view of the lush valleys below.

We return to Marrakech and drop you off at your hotel or riad in the late afternoon.